tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220792792014-12-08T08:42:08.993+00:00Karen Phillips RacingKaren Phillips Adminnoreply@blogger.comBlogger216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22079279.post-71394794994939509512014-11-30T18:09:00.001+00:002014-11-30T18:09:23.740+00:00Race Report – Donington Park 30th AugustAnother CSCC Mondern Classics race saw Karen and Richard driving at Donington Park. Despite concerns over the weather, conditions were dry. They knew that the circuit would favour some of the faster cars and this was borne out by them qualifying 15th out of 28 entrants.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/HX8zNHrRa6w" width="500"></iframe><br /><br />The race began with a rolling start, which was a first for both drivers. Karen braved this challenge and at least it was incident free, although not the best of starts. Just before the pit-stop, there was an under-bonnet problem which certainly surprised Karen and also resulted in a loss of power.<br /><br />Their pit-stop was helped by their friends Mike, Darren and Hayley. It was a great change over and Richard was soon out again, but he noticed the missing power and it made things a little more difficult for him.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/e7EAWMToiOQ" width="500"></iframe><br /><br />Despite this, Karen and Richard finished 13th overall and 1st in class. It was a great result for them both. Luckily the power loss was soon diagnosed to a boost hose which had come away from the top of the Blow Off Valve (BOV). This was quickly resolved when they reached home and shouldn't be a problem again.<br /><br />Karen Phillips Racinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494964603474787861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22079279.post-67012202466336093082014-11-30T17:47:00.001+00:002014-11-30T17:47:21.283+00:00Race Report – Anglesey 3rd AugustNeither Karen nor Richard had ever driven at the Anglesey circuit. They'd taken the opportunity to walk the course the evening before the race and were amazed at some of the elevation changes. They were looking forward to the racing the following day...<br /><br />Unfortunately, race day began very wet and although it wasn't raining during qualifying the circuit was still quite wet with a drying line only appearing later on. Due to the conditions they had chosen to run on their treaded Federal 595 RSR tyres. Despite this, they both struggled and were quite disheartened to qualify 15th out of 17 runners.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/A2MD-FciPnY" width="500"></iframe><br /><br />They decided that Richard would drive the first stint and they would be using the semi-slick Federal FZ201 tyres due to drying weather. Richard got a reasonable start making up a few places straight away. Conditions were still not perfect and the final corner before the Start/Finish straight had him drifting wide first time around!<br /><br />Karen was having fun in the second stint, but right towards the end of the race the tyres either went off or the handling had gone awry in some other manner as she had a couple of incidents. This resulted in them finishing 12th overall and 2nd in class.<br /><br />Despite this, the pair really enjoyed their race and driving at the Anglesey circuit. They vowed to return next time and improve their result.Karen Phillips Racinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494964603474787861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22079279.post-55806123164036672342014-11-30T17:19:00.000+00:002014-11-30T17:27:53.951+00:00Spoilered RottenGiven the problems with rear traction recently thanks to cold tyres, it was decided to update the rear spoiler. It's been changed from the original mid 90's low version to the final late 90's high version. It's hoped the aggressive aerofoil shape will provide that little bit more rear grip.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TouTm6_480I/U8qTRIBvTmI/AAAAAAAAAto/5bmFsTzat0Y/s1600/rear_spoiler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TouTm6_480I/U8qTRIBvTmI/AAAAAAAAAto/5bmFsTzat0Y/s1600/rear_spoiler.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><br />At the front end of the car, Powerstation have fitted an oil-cooler. With this and the fuel swirl-pot the car is now capable of longer races. Karen is sharing the car with her husband Richard. The two of them are running as a team in the Classic and Sports Car Club (CSCC) Modern Classics series. The races are 40 minutes in length with a diver swap in the middle.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5eKy4QYWbns/U8qTNWtvDgI/AAAAAAAAAtk/erDT0xMSed8/s1600/oil_cooler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5eKy4QYWbns/U8qTNWtvDgI/AAAAAAAAAtk/erDT0xMSed8/s1600/oil_cooler.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><br />Karen Phillips Racinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494964603474787861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22079279.post-65526409461169364532014-11-30T17:18:00.000+00:002014-11-30T17:18:02.613+00:00Race Report – Castle Combe 12th JulyThis was Karen and Richard's first race with the Classic and Sports Cars Club (CSCC) Modern Classics series. Each race is 40 minutes long with a driver change. Karen and Richard were competing in the 4WD turbo class.<br /><br />Qualifying lasted for 30 minutes and it seemed to go quite well. Conditions were dry, sunny and warm. The pair qualified 10th overall out of 24 runners.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/KIg_DTgMJ58" width="500"></iframe><br /><br />Richard drove the first stint, with Karen driving the second. Richard had a tussle with one of the BMW M3s with both cars having gear selection trouble. Karen's stint went well and she managed to fend off another hard charging BMW M3 for the rest of the race.<br /><br />The race was red flagged towards the end due to a Volkswagen Golf GTI which had rolled at Quarry Corner. Karen and Richard finished 8th Overall and 1st in class. It was a fantastic result for the pair and they were incredibly excited about the new racing format.Karen Phillips Racinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494964603474787861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22079279.post-70803475879826167742014-11-30T17:15:00.001+00:002014-11-30T17:15:17.569+00:00Race Report – Donington Park 8th JuneThis Nippon Challenge event was mixed with the Tricolore Trophy for qualification. This resulted in a large grid of 39 cars! Karen qualified 21st from this mixed group which meant she would start in 8th position in the Nippon Challenge only Race 1.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LtADOkKKWD8" width="500"></iframe><br /><br />Karen got a great start and jumped from 8th to 4th by Redgate Corner. However, cold rear tyres caused a spin down the Craner Curves. It could have ended very badly, but luckily the car wasn't too damaged and Karen recovered from last to finish 11th overall.<br /><br />Race 2 was a mixed affair with Nippon and Triclore cars racing together. Karen started in 20th position, but seemed to struggle and finished the race in 22nd and 2nd in class within the Nippon Challenge.Karen Phillips Racinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494964603474787861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22079279.post-50131370761981491502014-05-24T16:09:00.001+00:002014-05-27T11:33:47.620+00:00Race Report – Castle Combe 5th May<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XOIVv57Gsoo/U4CpT3Kx7EI/AAAAAAAAAs0/fH-HaiAHJ0c/s1600/14143103113_9b40d96473_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XOIVv57Gsoo/U4CpT3Kx7EI/AAAAAAAAAs0/fH-HaiAHJ0c/s1600/14143103113_9b40d96473_o.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div><center><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Image used with kind permission of&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lance40k/sets/" style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Lance Wittenberg</a></center><center></center><center></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">The Track Attack Race Club (TARC) Bank Holiday meeting at Castle Combe had combined Nippon Challenge and Tricolore Trophy grids. This meant the grid was going to be pretty packed and qualifying was going to be a bit of a lottery.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;">By getting to the Assembly Area early, Karen was at the front of the queue to go out for qualifying. This helped Karen give the engine a decent warm up and get the Federal tyres up to some kind of temperature before pushing on. Qualifying was still tricky but Karen managed to qualify 5th out the Nippon Challenge cars.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/e5Jr6LqvHao" width="500"></iframe></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Race 1 saw Karen make a reasonable start and she'd made a couple of places by half way around the 1st lap, but the Tricolore cars were just too light and powerful. They were soon making a break for the distance. On the 2nd lap, Karen was annoyed to be overtaken by a Tricolore car under waved yellow flags. The car's pace was obvious, but the driver should have waited until the incident was clear. Karen was then left trying to fend off Jon Winter's rapid Clio which she did, as well as overhauling a Citroen Saxo. Jon was now being harried by a couple of MX5s and so the pressure on Karen was reduced a little. She made her best efforts to make an escape, hitting the rev-limiter in top gear along the stretch up to Avon Rise! That's how things remained until the end of the race. Karen finished 1st in GT300 class and 4th in the Nippon Challenge.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HwggpT0byys/U4CspVx0CrI/AAAAAAAAAs8/Cn4AfskthO4/s1600/IMG_0501web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HwggpT0byys/U4CspVx0CrI/AAAAAAAAAs8/Cn4AfskthO4/s1600/IMG_0501web.jpg" height="216" width="400" /></a></div><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Image used with kind permission of&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.inmotionimages.co.uk/" style="text-align: -webkit-center;">InMotionImages</a></center><center><br /></center><center></center><center></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;">Race 2 saw Karen make another good start and she out accelerated one of the Clios off the line. However, the Super GT MR2 Mk1 had a storming start from the back of the gird and he was soon right behind Karen. The Clio nipped back in front at the Esses. Karen spotted the MR2 Mk1 making a lunge at Bobbies and she went offline to prevent contact. Another MR2 Mk1 followed him and so Karen was down another two places!&nbsp;</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Gqi6pYERbVY" width="500"></iframe></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">She quickly dispatched the normal MR2 down the main straight and began hunting down the Super GT version. She blew past him at Hammerdown and was then left fending off the MX5 of Kevin Middleton. Soon, Kevin was joined by another MX5 and Karen was now keeping a decent distance ahead of them for a couple of laps. They then got pretty close, helped by having to allow the lapping lead car through. It was just after this that race was stopped due to an incident near the start line. Jon Lord had rolled his Toyota Celica coming out of Camp Corner. It was a nasty incident, but Jon quickly made his escape from the car and was virtually unscathed. Karen was classified 1st in GT300 class and 3rd in the Nippon Challenge!</center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">That was Karen's best ever finishing position in the Nippon Challenge so far and her first podium finish. Unfortunately, due to the combined grids it wasn't a true overall podium and so Karen missed out on the glory of a ride around the circuit waving to the crowd in the special Castle Combe converted car.</center></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Straight line pace in Karen's car is great, but the Federal tyres take a few laps to warm up and even then they just don't seem to have the grip levels of the Silverstone tyres used previously. It may be down to the compound of the tyres which are medium rather than soft. This was to help them last during longer Classic Sports Car Club races. Plans are now in place to fit a shift light in an effort to prevent hitting the rev-limiter. That had robbed Karen of the opportunity to overtake more cars at the start of each race. In addition it should help improve gear selection throughout the races.</center>Karen Phillips Racinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494964603474787861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22079279.post-84886160303661052772014-04-23T20:05:00.001+00:002014-04-23T20:05:42.696+00:00Face Off... And on again.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fVk--GgETfU/U1gYcvqy5WI/AAAAAAAAArw/6NoT9CJGa4Q/s1600/pic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fVk--GgETfU/U1gYcvqy5WI/AAAAAAAAArw/6NoT9CJGa4Q/s1600/pic1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />Serious facial surgery was required on Karen's car. Our friend and race mechanic Mike Herbert was called in to help sort out the mangled radiator support. The old item was carefully cut off and one was supplied by a donor car. This was carefully welded in place after a few trial fits of the new radiator.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AtkxSjfTcBU/U1gZilV9GEI/AAAAAAAAAr4/tKJYdW2FogI/s1600/pic5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AtkxSjfTcBU/U1gZilV9GEI/AAAAAAAAAr4/tKJYdW2FogI/s1600/pic5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />Luckily, new Impreza radiators aren't that expensive these days! The new radiator and intercooler kit had only taken a couple of days to arrive and were ready and waiting for the welding to be completed. Once that was done, Richard got working on fully fitting the radiator. this was quickly followed by a replacement bumper bar and the new intercooler core and piping. In addition, the car received new headlights and a new driver's side front wing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RasXa1w9pY/U1gaNaA0oUI/AAAAAAAAAsA/HUMQ1S9dEkI/s1600/pic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RasXa1w9pY/U1gaNaA0oUI/AAAAAAAAAsA/HUMQ1S9dEkI/s1600/pic2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />The next task was to modify another bumper to fit over the intercooler and to repair the front splitter. These jobs were very straightforward and so after a few hours of careful cutting and painting the front of the car was looking like normal again...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c-yUAkDlCS4/U1ga5cvPreI/AAAAAAAAAsI/fyQJl3wPTdQ/s1600/pic3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c-yUAkDlCS4/U1ga5cvPreI/AAAAAAAAAsI/fyQJl3wPTdQ/s1600/pic3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />With various parts of the car having been painted and waiting to dry, Richard took the opportunity to make some other improvements to the car. The Corbeau Revolution seat was fitted which only took some minimal modifications to the frame and it still allows the seat position to be adjusted easily. Thicker anti-roll bars were also fitted, which were originally on the TenguDo Motorsport #29 car. These should help sharpen up the handling.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aZahxZKEM0E/U1gcEMOHJ7I/AAAAAAAAAsU/U1dVkNQTzPA/s1600/pic4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aZahxZKEM0E/U1gcEMOHJ7I/AAAAAAAAAsU/U1dVkNQTzPA/s1600/pic4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />It was a good job that the Easter Bank Holidays gave Richard and friends time to work on the car and it's now ready for Castle Combe. Here's hoping it's an incident free meeting!Karen Phillips Racinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494964603474787861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22079279.post-71298742600499471132014-04-21T15:25:00.000+00:002014-04-21T15:34:49.138+00:00Race Report – Rockingham 5th April<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HAKADTGUJ8w/U1U2TPprllI/AAAAAAAAArQ/S9pNDnC71-Y/s1600/pic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HAKADTGUJ8w/U1U2TPprllI/AAAAAAAAArQ/S9pNDnC71-Y/s1600/pic1.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></div><div align="LEFT" class="western"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="color: white;">A slick surface, new tyres and a good deal more power meant it was tricky for Karen in qualifying on the twisty Rockingham International Circuit configuration. Karen was disappointed with her efforts but that soon changed when she learnt that she had qualified 5th overall and 1<sup><span style="font-size: small;">st</span></sup>in the GT300 class. That's Karen's best ever qualifying performance in the Nippon Challenge!</span></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="western"><center><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/wIMj6-SSscQ" width="500"></iframe></span></center></div><div class="western"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white; font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Karen's Race 1 start was good, briefly taking 3</span><sup><span style="font-size: small;">rd</span></sup><span style="font-size: small;">position before Nick Holden's 5 litre V8 powered GT86-F powered past her. She had a slide at the first hairpin on cold tyres and lost a couple of places. Then another place was lost to Dave Hemingway's MR2. Karen fought back through the race to re-claim the position from Dave and Nick's GT86-F had dropped back due to electrical issues. This meant that Karen finished 5</span><sup>th</sup><sup> </sup><span style="font-size: small;">overall and 1</span><sup><span style="font-size: small;">st</span></sup><span style="font-size: small;"> in the GT300 class. Her best result yet, of which she was justifiably proud.</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zAbKFl1RDqw/U1U2aDRXtqI/AAAAAAAAArY/cs8xF-UxfWg/s1600/pic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zAbKFl1RDqw/U1U2aDRXtqI/AAAAAAAAArY/cs8xF-UxfWg/s1600/pic2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="western"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="western"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Karen's crew believed that she could make a better start in Race 2 and maximise the four wheel drive advantage of the Impreza WRX. It was hoped that Karen might make a couple of places at the start which she could defend through the rest of the race...</span></div><div class="western"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #0563c1;"></span><br /></span><br /><center><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: inherit;"><u><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/NVusHWQ8J0w" width="500"></iframe></u></span></center></div><div class="western"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="color: white;">Karen tried the start procedure in Race 2, but there was a problem and the car virtually stalled! Karen was lucky everyone else managed to avoid her as they streamed past and she got going again just as the last car passed her! From dead last she fought back lap by lap, overtaking a total of eleven cars until she understeered through the hairpin and had a semi-spin on the grass. Karen slewed broadside across the track and there was a collision with Tony Collins' Celica, just swiping the nose of Karen's car. The radiator was holed and Karen was forced to retire.</span></span><br /><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j4yGTAy_zng/U1U2oLPe8-I/AAAAAAAAArg/A2QtZjvcXVo/s1600/pic3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j4yGTAy_zng/U1U2oLPe8-I/AAAAAAAAArg/A2QtZjvcXVo/s1600/pic3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="western"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Richard has a lot of work to do before the next outing at Castle Combe on 5th May. Parts required include a new intercooler and piping, radiator, slam panel parts, bumper bar, bumper, splitter, headlight, wing, bonnet, etc.</span>Karen Phillips Racinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494964603474787861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22079279.post-21725462413154123472014-02-12T18:33:00.000+00:002014-02-12T18:37:41.095+00:00Karen's Plans for 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U-aBXKXtmAw/Uvu2yvf-XcI/AAAAAAAAAqE/AhlIbsSqKac/s1600/pic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U-aBXKXtmAw/Uvu2yvf-XcI/AAAAAAAAAqE/AhlIbsSqKac/s1600/pic1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No, Karen's not planning to race the gorgeous Healey Silverstone (pictured above) this coming season, but she is planning to race in the Nippon Challenge as usual. New for 2014 are plans to race in the Classic and Sports Car Club's (CSCC) Modern Classics series. This series is for mini endurance races where she will be sharing drives with her husband Richard. The series is for production sports, saloon and GT cars built up until 01/01/2000. Current cars racing include Porsche 911s, 944s, and Boxsters, BMW M3s as well as coupes and saloons, an Audi TT and a Toyota Celica GT4.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Regulations for the CSCC Modern Classics have necessitated the refitting of the passenger headlight and the returning of the bonnet scoop to face forward as it did originally. Unfortunately, sponsors TenguDo Motorsport have been forced to close and it was with regret that all sponsor decals were removed. It's hoped that another sponsor can be found, if only to make the car look as exciting as it did before!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tUop9ET6l6A/Uvu22wJbLXI/AAAAAAAAAqU/_C-EGCoHbAA/s1600/pic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tUop9ET6l6A/Uvu22wJbLXI/AAAAAAAAAqU/_C-EGCoHbAA/s1600/pic2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>There have also been developments under the bonnet. The running issues were diagnosed by Powerstation to a boost leak. However, they also advised Karen that the current turbo was past its best and although it was producing decent power it wasn't spooling up until comparatively late. The decision was taken to fit a new replacement as recommended by Powerstation. A VF34 roller bearing tubo will be fitted which should ensure early spool up meaning lots of available torque.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mvhnQa2EIqU/Uvu22xFooiI/AAAAAAAAAqM/d5yjny-q2jo/s1600/pic3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mvhnQa2EIqU/Uvu22xFooiI/AAAAAAAAAqM/d5yjny-q2jo/s1600/pic3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, Karen was offered a bargain Carbon/Kevlar Corbeau Revolution seat that was too good to pass up. This will replace the steel framed seat currently being used. The Corbeau will be much lighter and safer than the current item.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I8BfDcB_3k0/Uvu22y8-bAI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/F_AjMm8uys4/s1600/pic4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I8BfDcB_3k0/Uvu22y8-bAI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/F_AjMm8uys4/s1600/pic4.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>Further improvements planned include Lexan windows to save weight and the use of better video cameras. An oil cooler will also be fitted to keep oil temperature under control when running for longer periods during the Modern Classics races.<br /><br />The upcoming season should be very exciting, so please visit this site regularly to keep up with developments and exciting race footage and reports.Karen Phillips Racinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494964603474787861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22079279.post-11652143899149128612013-10-27T19:43:00.002+00:002013-10-27T19:53:01.851+00:00Karen's Supercar ShowdownKaren was surprised with drives in several supercars at the Prodrive test facility in Warwickshire for her birthday recently. Karen was astounded to discover she would be driving a Nissan R35 GT-R, Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, Ariel Atom, McLaren MP4-12C and an Aston Martin DBS!<br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LwB-cbihlvA/Um1f5x1I85I/AAAAAAAAAoU/UcR4wgEnwy4/s1600/NissanR35GTR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LwB-cbihlvA/Um1f5x1I85I/AAAAAAAAAoU/UcR4wgEnwy4/s400/NissanR35GTR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Karen's first drive was in the Nissan R35 GT-R. At least the GT-R shared four wheel drive like Karen's race car and Richard's road car. However, it had around 500 horsepower and a flappy-paddle gearbox. Unfortunately for Karen, it began raining just as she began her drive.<br /><br /></div><div><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="375" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/pMj_X8RLAAo" width="500"></iframe></center></div><div><br />Karen had been offered a drive in full automatic mode, but she took the decision to use the flappy-paddle manual mode and had absolutely no problems. It felt natural almost immediately, which bode well for the rest of the day as most of the other cars used the same gear changing method.</div><div><br />The instructor gave Karen a score of 35/40 for her drive in the Nissan R35 GT-R.<br /><br />The next car in line was the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640. Karen was a little intimidated by the car's size and massive 640 horsepower figure.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOc-fWpfQhs/Um1gDL8EucI/AAAAAAAAAoc/Cq82tPwiqGo/s1600/LamborghiniLP640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOc-fWpfQhs/Um1gDL8EucI/AAAAAAAAAoc/Cq82tPwiqGo/s400/LamborghiniLP640.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />This time, the weather was dry although sections of the track were still damp. Karen could certainly feel the immense torque of the Lamborghini V12 over the top of engine of the GT-R. Karen was surprised how much she enjoyed her drive and was certainly grinning from ear to ear when she stepped out of the car.<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="375" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/UzTwkvk-K88" width="500"></iframe></center></div><div><br />The instructor on her Lamborghini drive gave her a score of 35+/40.</div><div><br />Karen's next drive was in the Ariel Atom.The Atom is a mid-engined rear wheel drive car open to the elements. Luckily, although cool and windy it was still dry for Karen's drive.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fq_r8tLP2iY/Um1h3f7X50I/AAAAAAAAAoo/goZveMWd330/s1600/ArielAtom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fq_r8tLP2iY/Um1h3f7X50I/AAAAAAAAAoo/goZveMWd330/s400/ArielAtom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Karen had been supplied with a helmet and gloves, but unfortunately the wind was catching under the helmet along the main straight and making it ride up which affected her confidence. This was the only car on the day which used a conventional clutch and manual gear change with a gear stick.<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="375" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/erfCNodF5Nc" width="500"></iframe></center></div><div><br />Despite the problems with the helmet, Karen really enjoyed her drive in the Atom. Although not as powerful as any of the other cars, it was much lighter and nimble and the power delivery felt just as fast. Karen's legs felt like jelly afterwards and we took that to mean she enjoyed it!</div><div><br />The instructor gave Karen a score of 36.5/40 for her drive in the Ariel Atom.<br /><br />Richard had been eagerly anticipating Karen's next drive. This was the McLaren MP4-12C, a twin-turbo V8 engined car producing nearly 600 horsepower. The chassis is supposedly exemplary and the car can provide all the required performance without sacrificing comfort.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vZW9S6_0HdM/Um1j9V2bXjI/AAAAAAAAAo0/ghiczFve_-s/s1600/McLarenMP4-12C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vZW9S6_0HdM/Um1j9V2bXjI/AAAAAAAAAo0/ghiczFve_-s/s400/McLarenMP4-12C.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Once again the car used a flappy-paddle gear change, but Karen was now an old hand at this. Karen felt the steering to be initially quite light compared to the previous cars. Acceleration was simply in a different league and it took Karen's breath away!<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="375" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/XlZhrRlp0Bo" width="500"></iframe></center></div><div><br />The McLaren astounded Karen with its performance, both in terms of power and handling. It was also so easy to drive it was a devastating combination. The instructor was so impressed with Karen's drive that he gave her a big hug when they got out of the car!<br /><br />The instructor gave Karen a score of 38.5/40 for her drive in the McLaren MP4-12C.<br /><br />Finally, a real touch of class as Karen's ultimate drive was in the Aston Martin DBS. Not content with the car used by Daniel Craig as James Bond 007 in the film Casino Royale, this version was a convertible!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5TxU9uYoaeQ/Um1pUbSg3ZI/AAAAAAAAApE/sSZdiyHdJHE/s1600/AstonMartinDBS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5TxU9uYoaeQ/Um1pUbSg3ZI/AAAAAAAAApE/sSZdiyHdJHE/s400/AstonMartinDBS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Karen found the car to have a wonderful interior with a very upmarket and executive feel. If that lulled her into a false sense of security, then the performance soon shattered that. The DBS was nearly as fast as the McLaren!<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="375" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/jK3efuTujEk" width="500"></iframe></center></div><div><br />The instructor gave Karen a score of 39/40 for her drive in the Aston Martin DBS!<br /><br />Karen thoroughly enjoyed all her drives, but she was left trying to decide her favourite between the McLaren MP4-12C and the Aston Martin DBS. She's decided on both. The DBS as her daily drive and the MP4-12C as her weekend weapon!<br /><br />All photographs of the day can be found here:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/richardsenter/sets/72157636974864063/" target="_blank">Karen's Supercar Showdown</a></div>Karen Phillips Racinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494964603474787861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22079279.post-43488405128445520712013-10-01T18:41:00.004+00:002013-10-01T18:41:44.004+00:00Race Report – Oulton Park 28th September<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRM1NN0nVRc/UksCuAnIDTI/AAAAAAAAAnc/48eyPpIH95c/s1600/10023148913_b5b8bdf0c1_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRM1NN0nVRc/UksCuAnIDTI/AAAAAAAAAnc/48eyPpIH95c/s400/10023148913_b5b8bdf0c1_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><center><o:p></o:p></center></div><br /><center>Image used with kind permission of <a href="http://www.inmotionimages.co.uk/">InMotionImages</a></center><center><br /></center><o:p></o:p>Karen arrived at Oulton Park on the day before the Nippon Challenge races for an afternoon of practice. The plan had been to save the semi-slick Silverstone tyres for late in the day and for the races. As Richard removed them it was discovered that one of them had a rather large egg shaped defect in it. Without the Silverstone crew in attendance there was no option but to run in practice and the races using the Federal 595 RSR tyres that had been destined for wet weather.<br /><br />The weather was most definitely not wet! In fact it was a totally glorious weekend of weather, with a light breeze and warm sunshine. Probably not the best conditions for wet weather tyres. However, the Federals held up excellently and maintained decent pressures and seemed to last very well. However, Richard doubted they had the same ultimate grip as the Silverstones and thus Karen was already running at a disadvantage.<br /><br />As the practice sessions continued, Karen noticed that a hesitation or "hiccup" as she described it was afflicting the car when accelerating hard in 5th gear. It seemed this may be down to overboost, but there was nothing that could be done about it.<br /><br />Karen's practice times seemed pretty good and fairly consistent. She finished the afternoon of practice with a best time of 2:08 and consistent laps in 2:09.<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="375" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/dHHnSVdrynI" width="500"></iframe></center><br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="375" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/k5DEbFmGSAU" width="500"></iframe></center><br />Race 1 started well with Karen having qualified in 16th position. She overtook the MX5's of Kevin Middleton and Simon Fleet before the first corner. On lap 2, Simon got on the inside at the hairpin and was away. Karen spent the rest of her race trying to chase down Simon and Rob Jefferies in his MK1 MR2 Turbo. Karen finished 15th Overall and 2nd in the GT300 class.<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="375" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/OyWXMCfuzf8" width="500"></iframe></center><br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="375" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/9MWAbym_8is" width="500"></iframe></center><br />Race 2 began with Karen getting passed by Kevin's MX5 at Cascades, but she out-dragged him immediately along Lakeside. Kevin got passed her again into the hairpin and Karen had to wait until Hilltop when she could overhaul him again and stay in front at Knickerbrook. Karen was now chasing after Rob's MR2 whilst trying to stay ahead of Simon's MX5. Meanwhile, Andy McLennan was forcing his way through the field in his Suzuki Swift. Karen allowed him past at the hairpin and Simon pounced to follow on Andy's coat-tails! She nearly had him back into Old Hall, but Simon held his nerve and went around the outside. Then Kevin rubbed salt into the wound at Cascades again, before Karen reclaimed the position. Karen finished 14th overall and 2nd in the GT300 class again.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tkFix_hULd0/UksC3IV1V-I/AAAAAAAAAnk/VzIsUvZ_4_0/s1600/10023020224_2ebda1ddcf_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tkFix_hULd0/UksC3IV1V-I/AAAAAAAAAnk/VzIsUvZ_4_0/s400/10023020224_2ebda1ddcf_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><center><o:p></o:p></center></div><br /><center>Image used with kind permission of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lance40k/sets/72157636011017696/">Lance Wittenberg</a></center><br />Karen's overall results looked pretty dismal, but this was due to the number of very quick French Trophy cars that were sharing the grid with the Nippon Challenge. Mostly populated by racing Clios, the cars were powerful, light and very nimble.<br /><br />It seems that a tweak to the ECU may be required to fix the problems with turbo boost in 5th gear, as well as the fight against weight to help make the car accelerate faster, stop more quickly and be more nimble in the corners.Karen Phillips Racinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494964603474787861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22079279.post-85678567639231459112013-09-08T16:56:00.003+00:002013-09-08T17:00:57.022+00:00Race Report – Cadwell Park 31st August<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wyq_eqGe0Hs/UiymX-z8lAI/AAAAAAAAAm0/B9AQ3MdEAYU/s1600/Practice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wyq_eqGe0Hs/UiymX-z8lAI/AAAAAAAAAm0/B9AQ3MdEAYU/s400/Practice.jpg" /></a></div><center>Image used with kind permission of <a href="http://www.inmotionimages.co.uk/">InMotionImages</a></center><br />Weather conditions were bright and dry for the qualifying session. There were concerns that the track may still be damp in the shade through the Hall Bends, but Karen found no problems with grip. Karen seemed to be enjoying her session and she qualified 8th overall. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D12s0M8UswM/UiymhkcwABI/AAAAAAAAAm8/nnFPd6YrIwg/s1600/Race.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D12s0M8UswM/UiymhkcwABI/AAAAAAAAAm8/nnFPd6YrIwg/s400/Race.jpg" /></a></div><center>Image used with kind permission of <a href="http://www.inmotionimages.co.uk/">InMotionImages</a></center><br />Race 1 saw Karen not getting the best of starts, but she maintained position and was surprised to see Tony Hunter's Renault Clio spin in front of her. She was having to defend heavily against the MR2 of Dave Hemmingway until his car overheated. Karen finished 8th overall, and 3rd in the GT300 class.<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="375" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/sXU8QKTt3Tw" width="500"></iframe></center><center><br /></center><center></center><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="375" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/4P1-XOjZkiY" width="500"></iframe></center><center><br /></center>Karen got a much better start in Race 2, overhauling Tony's Clio and Adam Lockwoood's GT300 Nissan 200SX. However, Adam spotted an opportunity within the first few corners as Karen went slightly wide. He was then through and away. His car having an amazing turn of speed. Karen was left fighting Rob Jefferies in his Mk1 MR2 Turbo. She managed to fend him off for the rest of the race and finished 7th overall. Once again she was 3rd in class in GT300.<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="375" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/TRUlARJHW0c" width="500"></iframe></center><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="375" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/uSZzzhlX_Vo" width="500"></iframe></center><br />Once again it seems the comparative heavy weight of the Impreza WRX is denting performance against other class runners in GT300. Karen's car was weighed and is roughly 100kg over the minimum class weight. Plans are underway to reduce this but not much can be done before the end of the season.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BV86k7KymrM/Uiymnb9-h4I/AAAAAAAAAnE/zWDTwYVuMMk/s1600/Finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BV86k7KymrM/Uiymnb9-h4I/AAAAAAAAAnE/zWDTwYVuMMk/s400/Finished.jpg" /></a></div><center>Image used with kind permission of <a href="http://www.inmotionimages.co.uk/">InMotionImages</a></center><br />Having watched the videos and heard the soundtrack, Richard suspected that the Blow Off Valve (BOV) was bleeding boost pressure. It’s uncertain how much pressure was lost and thus how much power Karen had been losing. A visual check of the car resulted in the discovery that the tubing from the manifold to the BOV was not connected. This has now been re-connected and secured. Hopefully Karen should be enjoying full power at the next event at Oulton Park!Karen Phillips Racinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494964603474787861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22079279.post-40979914202483502072013-09-08T16:24:00.000+00:002013-09-08T16:28:32.434+00:00Reversal of Fortune?<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Following the failure at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Mallory</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place>, the car was taken to Powerstation for a diagnosis.Within half an hour, Andy the technician discovered the problem. The mounting for the crank sensor had sheared and the sensor itself had impacted against the back of the crank pulley. This resulted in damage to the sensor and it tore a pick-up off the back of the pulley. All of this meant the ECU was not being sent a meaningful crank position and thus there was no ignition signal sent to the engine.</span><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Andy fitted a replacement sensor and pulley and then re-fitted the cam belt. He also welded some beading on the ends of two aluminium boost pipes to ensure a more secure fit as they were found to have come apart after the first race at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Mallory</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place>.</span><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Having fitted the Front Mount Intercooler (FMIC), there was no functional need for a bonnet scoop on the car. The large scoop was still capturing air and forcing it into the engine bay. This may have a detrimental effect, by stalling air over the top of the engine thanks to air from the scoop hitting air that had passed through the FMIC and radiator.</span><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">It’s a commonly held belief that some kind of reverse scoop would help draw air out of the engine bay. This was backed up by conversations with Vaughan Fletchers’ crew following their Impreza having been in wind tunnel tests.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w5GktAwERnU/UiyjQ3hikfI/AAAAAAAAAmg/D0RmNFHDV9Q/s1600/Scoop_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w5GktAwERnU/UiyjQ3hikfI/AAAAAAAAAmg/D0RmNFHDV9Q/s400/Scoop_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Richard decided it would be better to use one of the original smaller scoops when reversed, rather than the currently used large one which would still be sticking out into the airflow too much. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Izm4t2_XTyI/UiyjRMXMo7I/AAAAAAAAAmk/RC0xTGk6_FQ/s1600/Scoop_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Izm4t2_XTyI/UiyjRMXMo7I/AAAAAAAAAmk/RC0xTGk6_FQ/s400/Scoop_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Minor modifications had to be made to blank off sections of the bonnet using small aluminium plates. The scoop was then fitted in its reversed position securely and everything painted in black. <br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Having restored the engine to a running condition and made improvements to the air-flow it was hoped that finally the recent problems were behind her and Karen would have no mechanical issues in the following races.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Karen Phillips Racinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494964603474787861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22079279.post-50297974432865212162013-09-08T16:13:00.004+00:002013-09-08T16:15:04.568+00:00Race Report – Mallory Park 3rd August<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yOyFnZ1dldw/UiyXYr_xm6I/AAAAAAAAAlk/gNVrurV8_AI/s1600/Practice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yOyFnZ1dldw/UiyXYr_xm6I/AAAAAAAAAlk/gNVrurV8_AI/s400/Practice.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><center>Image used with kind permission of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lance40k/sets/">Lance Wittenberg</a></center><br />Karen was cautious at the brginning of her qualifying sesion, as she was wearing in a brand new set of PFC01 front brake pads. She soon got in to a rhythm and was enjoying the power and handling improvements. Karen was surprised to see her husband Richard having to stop near a marshal post and have an underbonnet fire extinguished. After that she concentrated on her times and qualified 9th overall.<br /><br />Race 1 began with Karen getting past the MX5 of Kevin Middleton and chasing the MK1 MR2 Turbo of Rob Jefferies. Karen spent the race chasing Rob whilst Lee Bennet-Neil's Integra was close behind her.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E6BWXPVrkNE/Uiyce3qxCyI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/xm2cVX1mPrw/s1600/Race1_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E6BWXPVrkNE/Uiyce3qxCyI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/xm2cVX1mPrw/s400/Race1_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><center>Image used with kind permission of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lance40k/sets/">Lance Wittenberg</a></center><br /><center style="text-align: left;">On the penultimate lap, Karen was wrong footed by rob at the hairpin and Lee pounced to overtake. So instead of hoping for 5th place, Karen was demoted to finish 7th overall and 3rd in the GT300 class.</center><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/uIUlcVIypcQ" width="500"></iframe></center><br />Race 2 found Karen getting a decent start and overtaking Lee's Integra and then overtaking Rob's MR2 along the Stebbe Straight. Karen was now 5th overall and under pressure from Kevin Middleton's MX5. Kevin used his skill and the agile chassis of the MX5 to overtake Karen around the outside of Gerrards! Karen was patient until the main straight where she used the superior power of her Impreza to overhaul Kevin and re-take 5th position.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NLdPZ57OT58/UiyXbVVWZoI/AAAAAAAAAmA/CAGWCZmadSY/s1600/Race2_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NLdPZ57OT58/UiyXbVVWZoI/AAAAAAAAAmA/CAGWCZmadSY/s400/Race2_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><center>Image used with kind permission of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lance40k/sets/">Lance Wittenberg</a></center><center><br /></center><center></center>Karen began to pull away from Kevin, but unfortunately later as she was braking into the hairpin the ignition died and she had to coast to a halt. The car wouldn't restart and Karen was forced to retire. It was a bitter disappointment after the race was going so well and Karen was running in the highest position she'd ever achieved in the Nippon Challenge. <br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kNv7ZDMqVWc" width="500"></iframe></center><br />Back in the paddock, several efforts were made to start the car, but the source of the problem couldn't be found. It had to be pushed back onto the trailer and the plan was to take it to Powerstation to see if they could diagnose and fix the problem.Karen Phillips Racinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494964603474787861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22079279.post-39714140766813913812013-07-28T15:03:00.001+00:002013-07-28T15:04:02.540+00:00Karen's "Escape to the Country" FootageKaren's appearance on BBC1 television can be seen below in an edited version of the full program. Unfortunately, no footage of Karen driving her car up the Shelsley Walsh Hillclimb was used. However, it does showcase what a wonderful place it is to watch historic and modern race cars in action. <br><br><iframe width="500" height="375" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Cesa9qTs9pA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br><br>You can access the Shelsley Walsh Website here: <a href="http://www.shelsley-walsh.co.uk/">www.shelsley-walsh.co.uk</a>Karen Phillips Racinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494964603474787861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22079279.post-16543442097304735742013-07-26T09:48:00.003+00:002013-07-26T09:50:13.620+00:00Suspension of disbelief<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oB7QlVWPwRs/UfJCVJK1idI/AAAAAAAAAk0/wTLGOmXj-Dk/s1600/alignment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oB7QlVWPwRs/UfJCVJK1idI/AAAAAAAAAk0/wTLGOmXj-Dk/s400/alignment.jpg" /></a></div><br>We already knew that the near side rear wheel of Karen's car didn't share the same amount of negative camber as the other rear wheel thanks to an interface with the banking at Shelsley Walsh some time ago. Thanks to many other problems including the requirement for an engine rebuild, this had fallen down the list of things to be sorted. Karen actually raced at Castle Combe with this problem as there simply hadn't been time to sort it out. <br><br>A trip to local specialists Powerstation enabled this to be rectified using their Beissbarth wheel alignment system. With the chassis now sorted, it's hoped that Karen will find the car much easier to drive and her lap times will improve accordingly. It's certain that her racing at Castle Combe was compromised by the previous settings. <br><br>The rear now benefits from the addition of camber bolts to help with camber control. Ride height is as it was but there's scope for lowering this which would see benefits in lowering the centre of gravity and improving airflow. This may need to wait until the season is over when next years tyre choice might have an impact on what is decided. We may yet go with new better performing coilover units than the non-adjustable ones currently fitted. Especially since these have been on the car for several years now and may be past their best. <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_v3cwYpJerE/UfJDouxTUtI/AAAAAAAAAlE/Wbi7klBKwWA/s1600/ktmxbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_v3cwYpJerE/UfJDouxTUtI/AAAAAAAAAlE/Wbi7klBKwWA/s400/ktmxbow.jpg" /></a></div><br>As usual at Powerstation, there was a plethora of interesting cars being worked upon. This included a Time Attack prepared KTM X-Bow that had previously been involved in the British GT racing series. It was just too good a photo opportunity to be missed...Karen Phillips Racinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494964603474787861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22079279.post-32036405274613278442013-06-12T12:05:00.001+00:002013-06-12T12:07:00.224+00:00Race Report – Castle Combe 27th May<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rRYlKnLjneo/UbhcWhxoxII/AAAAAAAAAkE/uAI8eClguIw/s1600/Combe_picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rRYlKnLjneo/UbhcWhxoxII/AAAAAAAAAkE/uAI8eClguIw/s400/Combe_picture.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><center>Image used with kind permission of <a href="http://www.inmotionimages.co.uk/" target="_blank">InMotionImages</a></center><br />The May Bank Holiday meeting at Castle Combe was thankfully dry for all the Nippon Challenge races. This was the first competitive outing for Karen's newly tuned Impreza WRX. Power was now up to maximum for the GT300 class, and Karen was excited at the prospect of seeing how the car would perform. <br /><br />Karen had managed to sit herself at the head of the queue for qualifying and so had clear track ahead for most of her session. She qualified 15th overall and 5th in class out of 8 in GT300. It seems that although power is now up to spec a lot of the other cars are much lighter. The advantage of the other cars being coupes and not having rear doors to carry around!<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tsOcU-ehz4Q" width="500"></iframe></center><br />Race 1 saw Karen get a good start but after things settled down she found herself in a race of her own. Karen finished in 12th place overall and 5th in the GT300 class. <br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GmUKu18zpXU" width="500"></iframe></center><br />Race 2 saw Karen get another great start and at Quarry Corner in lap 2 she watched an incident ahead which saw her husband Richard leaving the circuit in the TenguDo Motorsport #29 car. Richard recovered to chase Karen for the remainder of the race. Karen drove an incredibly defensive race to ensure he couldn't get past! (Video below). Karen finished in 12th place overall again but this time 2nd in the GT300 class. <br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="375" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qPMb1nfhd6w" width="500"></iframe></center><br />Karen thoroughly enjoyed her races, but appreciates that improvements are required to be more competitive. Planned changes include stripping out the doors and lightening the boot. Beyond that it may be required to replace the door glass and rear window with lexan to further save weight. Some new tyres and further chassis tuning may also help. "Motorsport", because money doesn't burn itself...Karen Phillips Racinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494964603474787861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22079279.post-62518754604187806722013-04-21T16:00:00.001+00:002013-04-21T16:01:37.756+00:00Shakedown Success<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/S98cxQJiWr4" width="500"></iframe><br /><br />A recent shakedown at the Curborough Sprint Track proved that the engine rebuild and modifications performed by Powerstation have transformed Karen's WRX. We're hoping the car will now be much more competitive in the GT300 class of the Nippon Challenge. Karen's really looking forward to her first planned race event of the year at Castle Combe on Bank Holiday Monday 27th May.Karen Phillips Racinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494964603474787861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22079279.post-58066045593933998842013-03-09T16:34:00.000+00:002013-03-09T16:37:05.231+00:00"Because Race Car""Because Race Car" is a derogatory phrase mostly used to describe ill fitting panels, scuffed bodywork, or other bodges deemed acceptable because it's a race car. Well most of the time we'd tried to avoid this and have Karen's car turned out as best we could. However, we've now proudly joined the ranks of such cars by having only one working headlight. The other has been replaced by a duct to blow cool air over the new K&amp;N air filter cone. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RBLwvJuhJ74/UTtfS9FbBMI/AAAAAAAAAjY/usKhXqsJgT0/s1600/8459291082_be51edc69d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" jsa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RBLwvJuhJ74/UTtfS9FbBMI/AAAAAAAAAjY/usKhXqsJgT0/s640/8459291082_be51edc69d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Having originally been nicknamed "Rexy", Karen's race car has now been called "Blinky" in honour of the new duct! Having completed all the over winter modifications to fit the Front Mount Intercooler and the new Induction filter it was time to give the car a shakedown.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0LjqgyCg4c/UTtgwBY7Y5I/AAAAAAAAAjg/diQmUvJmABo/s1600/098ps1501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" jsa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0LjqgyCg4c/UTtgwBY7Y5I/AAAAAAAAAjg/diQmUvJmABo/s640/098ps1501.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Castle Combe was the venue chosen and our sponsors TenguDo Motorsport were also in attendance to give their car a run out as well. Unfortunately the circuit was covered in a blanket of fog. This lasted until well into the afternoon. Before that, However, Karen had driven out behind the circuit car to get some sighting laps in. After only one and a half laps she lost power and struggled to keep the car running as she limped back into the paddock.<br /><br />There was a small amount of black smoke. Several theories were considered, including a boost hose leak, overfuelling due to a faulty fuel pressure regulator, etc. Certainly the car wouldn't idle but after leaving it for an hour it did idle ok so we assumed that it had overfuelled.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hOk1ofdgEac/UTtjAsUTCqI/AAAAAAAAAjo/8Haah2hTTP8/s1600/132ps150cp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" jsa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hOk1ofdgEac/UTtjAsUTCqI/AAAAAAAAAjo/8Haah2hTTP8/s640/132ps150cp.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We had to admit defeat. The following weekend, the car was delivered to Powerstation in nearby Tewkesbury for full diagnostics. In addition we'd asked for upgrading the injectors, fitting of a fuel swirlpot setup and finally fitment of a Simtek ECU and a bespoke map to get towards the magic 300bhp barrier.</div><br />Unfortunately, the diagnostics revealed low compression in cylinder number four. With the engine removed it was revealed that number four piston had suffered Land Ring failure. The bore had only received minor scoring that a light hone would resolve. The solution was to fit a new piston and get it all back together again but it's never that simple, is it? The pistons could not be identified and were assumed to be some kind of aftermarket items. The only available solution was to replace all four pistons with a completely new matched set! Impreza P1 pistons were deemed a suitable OEM replacement and they're forged so should help prevent this ever happening again..."Because Race Car"!Karen Phillips Racinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494964603474787861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22079279.post-15245449023802067262012-10-20T09:58:00.002+00:002012-10-20T10:05:06.717+00:00Cooling Off...Now the 2012 season has come to an end, it's time to begin modifying Karen's car to help make it more competitive within its class. Plans include a Front Mount Intercooler, bigger injectors and a new ECU with bespoke mapping.<br /><br />The driver's side headlight is being replaced with a funnel to allow cool air to be directed to the new K&amp;N cone filter with spun aluminium induction trumpet.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1o2KYcc5ab8/UIJzZ6AKsyI/AAAAAAAAAik/bn-ai_u4-Es/s1600/prep1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1o2KYcc5ab8/UIJzZ6AKsyI/AAAAAAAAAik/bn-ai_u4-Es/s400/prep1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Richard has made a start on the installation of the Front Mount Intercooler, large Blow Off Valve and a turbo blanket with exhaust wrapping.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D8r7oIYNNXY/UIJzl_2DunI/AAAAAAAAAis/YTruvuTX2gw/s1600/prep2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D8r7oIYNNXY/UIJzl_2DunI/AAAAAAAAAis/YTruvuTX2gw/s400/prep2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left">A Zero Sports hard pipe has been used to remove the induction resonator. Once the intercooler hard pipes have been routed the Mass Air Flow sensor can be plumbed into the induction pipe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H1XS3e62HKs/UIJzy4eSYaI/AAAAAAAAAi0/n0RXVHXiU5I/s1600/prep3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H1XS3e62HKs/UIJzy4eSYaI/AAAAAAAAAi0/n0RXVHXiU5I/s400/prep3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left">Plenty of work to do, but Richard is enjoying the challenge and is looking forward to getting the car running again. It's hoped that there will then be some opportunities for some practice over the winter and some further tweaks to improve performance and reliability ready for next season.</div>Karen Phillips Racinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494964603474787861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22079279.post-68810346887331312122012-10-20T09:30:00.003+00:002012-10-20T09:35:00.053+00:00"Escape to the Country""Escape to the Country" is a property buying program on BBC2. People get to view several properties in a countryside area and also see items of local interest. Well this show was set in Worcestershire and they'd asked to film at our local Shelsley Walsh hillclimb. As members, we were invited to bring along our car to help with the filming...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wxS-aD3Dqfc/UIJuGvkCH0I/AAAAAAAAAiA/RI-Xx4WCij4/s1600/ETTC1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wxS-aD3Dqfc/UIJuGvkCH0I/AAAAAAAAAiA/RI-Xx4WCij4/s400/ETTC1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYbX7UsQSDU/UIJuSvH3JhI/AAAAAAAAAiI/w4ZnUwMthCw/s1600/ETTC2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYbX7UsQSDU/UIJuSvH3JhI/AAAAAAAAAiI/w4ZnUwMthCw/s400/ETTC2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tUxt0OM9Vqg/UIJueJqChKI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/YKcwqJCHZcI/s1600/ETTC3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tUxt0OM9Vqg/UIJueJqChKI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/YKcwqJCHZcI/s400/ETTC3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Karen got to have two runs up the hill as the host Jules Hudson did a piece to camera. She was also in the paddock at the top of the hill as he walks past doing a monologue. Finally Jules interviewed a couple of chaps who were stood against Karen's car. One of these guys was Toby Moody who now commentates on the BTCC with Tim Harvey. ( <a href="http://www.tobymoody.co.uk">http://www.tobymoody.co.uk</a> ). <br /><br />This program is currently expected to be broadcast sometime in early 2013.<br /><br />Karen Phillips Racinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494964603474787861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22079279.post-71726699858337117632012-10-20T09:21:00.003+00:002012-10-20T09:33:15.461+00:00Race Report – Silverstone 28th July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BsRhzkNnNYI/UIJnBGbFZiI/AAAAAAAAAhc/wFw81JEnrF0/s1600/Silverstone1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" nea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BsRhzkNnNYI/UIJnBGbFZiI/AAAAAAAAAhc/wFw81JEnrF0/s400/Silverstone1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Silverstone was bright and dry - Quite a surprise for a Summer's day! TenguDo Motorsport spent time in the morning ensuring the geometry settings were correct and then Karen was out qualifying. Unfortunately, the gremlins were striking again with the occasional loss of power and stuttering delivery. (This has now been diagnosed to degraded wiring between the Crank Sensor and the main wiring harness). Despite this, Karen qualified 12th overall and 5th in class behind some experienced drivers and very quick cars.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QVzuDu_IYTI/UIJoyBf6XoI/AAAAAAAAAhk/yeLbEe7pTxk/s1600/Silverstone2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" nea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QVzuDu_IYTI/UIJoyBf6XoI/AAAAAAAAAhk/yeLbEe7pTxk/s400/Silverstone2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Karen didn't get a great start in Race 1, but after things settled down she she spent most of her race fighting hard against the #77 GT250 Impreza of Steve Harman. Steve seemed to have a power advantage but Karen's car had superior handling and better brakes. Karen finished 10th overall and 4th in class. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><center><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/miirC9yf4rI" width="500"></iframe></center></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div>Race 2 was a much less frantic race which saw Karen start in 10th but finish in 11th overall and 5th in class. <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sTOjm9wZhLU/UIJpGw5sRFI/AAAAAAAAAhs/4OBM29Mix_A/s1600/Silverstone3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sTOjm9wZhLU/UIJpGw5sRFI/AAAAAAAAAhs/4OBM29Mix_A/s400/Silverstone3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>At the end of race 2, Richard and the TenguDo Motorsport Team were worried to see Karen pull up in front of the marshals at the BRDC stand. They all feared some kind of mechanical problem, but as it turns out Karen had picked up a puncture just after the end of the race.</br><br />The marshals took great pleasure in helping out a damsel in distress and soon had the car hoisted onto a truck and driven back into the paddock. The front passenger side tyre had some kind of catastrophic failure/blowout. Everyone mucked in to get it swapped over for a spare and then loaded back on the trailer ready to go home.Karen Phillips Racinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494964603474787861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22079279.post-42945495018143405232012-07-31T18:48:00.001+00:002012-07-31T18:48:28.803+00:00Castle Combe Driver of the Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DZvctiEev6A/UBgmRSZAQ0I/AAAAAAAAAhA/4p_HyAKG4ac/s1600/DriverOfTheDay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DZvctiEev6A/UBgmRSZAQ0I/AAAAAAAAAhA/4p_HyAKG4ac/s400/DriverOfTheDay.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Karen was surprised and delighted to find out she'd been awarded the Driver of the Day award for the Castle Combe event!<br /><br />Karen would like to thank Steve Vince, organiser of the Red Dragon Race and Track Club and Nippon Challenge for selecting her for the award. Karen is also very grateful to Nippon Challenge sponsors Scalextric for their fantastic prize of a "Turbo Flyers" Scalextric set.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7lA2ORq0_ik/UBgoDnpSKeI/AAAAAAAAAhI/IM_BWpscnCU/s1600/Scalextric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="261" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7lA2ORq0_ik/UBgoDnpSKeI/AAAAAAAAAhI/IM_BWpscnCU/s400/Scalextric.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Most importantly, Karen would like to thank her own sponsors TenguDo Motorsport. Not only did they lend Karen their own car for the event, but following the under bonnet fire they worked extremely hard and pulled out all the stops to get&nbsp;the car repaired&nbsp;for the second race of the day. It was during that race that Karen drove from 24th and last to finish 12th overall.Karen Phillips Racinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494964603474787861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22079279.post-2635498785865717102012-07-24T19:55:00.001+00:002012-07-25T12:40:50.972+00:00Felling Cranky...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S2tDHpTTY2s/UA78gn65vfI/AAAAAAAAAgs/IZYZ4XqYSdI/s1600/Snout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" sda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S2tDHpTTY2s/UA78gn65vfI/AAAAAAAAAgs/IZYZ4XqYSdI/s400/Snout.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>Karen was re-united with her own car at a recent shakedown session at Keevil airfield. The morning was very wet and immediately the car was running roughly and within a few laps of the circuit layout a Check Engine Light (CEL) was showing. This was quickly diagnosed as a problem with the Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF). The air-filter had become sodden and water was getting onto the MAF element causing the car to run roughly and go into limp home mode.<br /><br />TenguDo Motorsport mechanic Mike installed some tubing to prevent water ingress into the induction system. However, this was still allowing in water, as the circuit was just so wet. A quick re-think saw the tubing within the engine bay. This meant hot air was being breathed in, but at least it was dry!<br /><br />This saw the car running perfectly and Karen was extremely happy. After lunch things began to dry up and Karen got some decent running in her own car for a change. Power was good and torque was strong. Everyone was enthused and the plan was to enter the upcoming Silverstone races upon the return home.<br /><br />Having returned home, it soon became apparent that when trying to remove the car from the trailer it wouldn't start. We feared the cambelt had slipped again! Various checks were performed but it all pointed to the timing. Mike came to the rescue again on the following weekend and proved the cambelt was fine. The brand new&nbsp;crank sensor was replaced with a 2nd hand item and the car started without trouble. After less than a day of running the new part had failed, which was very surprising, especially as it had no moving parts and was just a glorified magnet!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qlaO_JzFtqg/UA789va1R_I/AAAAAAAAAg0/YGaoynbnrgw/s1600/spray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" sda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qlaO_JzFtqg/UA789va1R_I/AAAAAAAAAg0/YGaoynbnrgw/s400/spray.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>Following this, a Silverstone entry was duly sent. Richard then spent some time on the Sunday fitting a larger bonnet scoop and an intercooler spray system. Here's hoping these improvements help Karen get the best out of the car at Silverstone and she enjoys a couple of trouble free races -It's about time!Karen Phillips Racinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494964603474787861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22079279.post-90856788782060045532012-07-12T19:19:00.000+00:002012-07-13T07:54:00.639+00:00Japfest 2 - 8th July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uktgn19xL2E/T_8f_j_Tr2I/AAAAAAAAAgU/dulwxtlIozw/s1600/Photo025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="300px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uktgn19xL2E/T_8f_j_Tr2I/AAAAAAAAAgU/dulwxtlIozw/s400/Photo025.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />Karen attended the Japfest 2 event and spent the day giving paying passengers thrill rides around the circuit. Unfortunately, Karen's own car was still being worked on and so TenguDo Motorsport provided their #29 car for her to use.<br /><br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wrIggdLlNtE" width="500"></iframe></center><br />The weather forecast was for heavy rain and so the car had been prepared with a soft suspension setup and Federal 595 RS-R tyres. the day had started dull, but then the sun came out and the weather was glorious!&nbsp;A fantastic time was had by all members of the Red Dragon Race and Track Club who had brought their cars for static display or for passenger drives on the circuit.Karen Phillips Racinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494964603474787861noreply@blogger.com0